Bel Alton News

Flames tore through the Waldorf Thrift Store on Sunday in a two-alarm fire that caused an estimated $900,000 in damage and took four hours to control, according to authorities.

A Newburg garage with an attached apartment caught fire Wednesday, but authorities aren't sure what sparked the blaze, according to a report from the State Fire Marshal's Office.

The VFW will host a New Year's Eve dance from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. with music by Road House.

Sheriff's officers have solved four unrelated burglaries, from a Dec. 16 break-in at a Waldorf buffet to the thefts of a crossbow and guns in La Plata, according to police.

A Charles County grand jury has issued the following indictments: David Rossleighy Chandler, 61, of La Plata was charged with second-degree assault for events that occurred Aug.

Andrew Mills, 16, of Bel Alton unwinds twine as he prepares to tie a tree to the roof of a car.

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin , left, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer chat Monday before a news conference in Bel Alton to announce $5 million in stimulus grants awarded to University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers for programs that aim to address minority and rural health disparities.

Mary E. Michael, 101, of Newburg will be honored on Veterans Day for her work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10081 Ladies Auxiliary.

Maurice J. McDonough High School's drama department will present William McNulty's "Dracula," an adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic novel, at 7 p.m. Nov.

Charles County Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 2 in the county commissioners' meeting room in the county government building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata.

The Charles County Dive Rescue team's annual haunted house, Vampire Manor, will continue through Oct.

A Charles County grand jury issued the following indictments: Shawn Montel Coombs , 18, of La Plata was charged with drug possession with intent to distribute and marijuana possession for events that occurred Aug.

Halloween might not be too scary this year, at least not for retailers. Though Halloween was weeks away, the Spirit Halloween Superstore in Waldorf attracted a steady stream of customers Monday seeking costumes for a party or the perfect severed hand to complete their holiday decor.

In an effort to slow down motorcyclists traveling through Charles County, the Charles County Sheriff's Office issued 236 citations, 34 warnings and 10 repair orders and arrested a person for drunk driving.

Mollie Gieseman,Charles County Garden Club member and a flower show chairwoman for the upcoming county fair, spent some time at a recent garden club meeting explaining flower design.

Maryland state trooper Robert Lemerise Jr. was about to slap handcuffs on yet another drunk driver - his 82nd for the year - when he heard the squealing tires of an out-of-control pickup.

Maryland state trooper Robert Lemerise Jr. was about to slap handcuffs on yet another drunk driver - his 82nd for the year - when he heard the squealing tires of an out-of-control pickup.

National Night Out against Crime celebrations Neighborhood Time of event Location Washington Square Shop 6:30-9 p.m. Washington Avenue, near SHA Arundel Hills 7-9 p.m. Across from Civista La Plata Manor Apartments 5-7 p.m. at the complex Charles County Nursing and Rehab 6-8 p.m. off Route 488 Kings Grant 6-9 p.m. off Route 488 Hickory Ridge ...

Charles County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing 7 p.m. Aug. 3 to gain citizen comments about a rezoning request by COPT-FACC Indian Head LLC to change the zoning of the Indian Head Science and Technology Park from business park and medium residential to planned employment park to allow for a greater mix of uses on the property.